Euro Car Park Fine

Petitchat

Just received a £70 fine from Euro Car Parks for parking in Sainsbury's/M&S car park, after staying 1 hour and 18 minutes in a 4 hour car park.  Here's the problem - it was a Sunday from 09:43 - 11:01am.... to be fair, I was in Nuffield Gym, not obviously shopping as the store wasn't open!  I was under the impression these car parks were free for 4 hours, any 4 hours, not only during store opening.  What's the verdict people?  Should I be worried?  Also, are these actually enforceable, or as they aren't Council operated car parks, can I challenge it?

Umkomaas

You shouldn't be worried, but private car parks are not fair game for free parking when the store is closed .... as you've found out. Almost every private car park is now infested by private parking companies and their principal job is to rinse the public. Only enter a private car park if you are absolutely certain on the terms under which you are allowed to park there. 

You need to read the NEWBIES FAQ sticky, first post, to learn how to challenge this, but I think on the basis of what you've said, you've got pretty thin ice under your feet. 

Are ECP offering a lower amount to settle in 28 14 days, or is £70 the lower amount?

Petitchat

It would be £40 if paid within 14 days... I'm pretty shocked as I've been parking in same spot for ages and never had an issue...  the gym car park has been shut since Covid began for some reason and didn't even occur to me that there were timing restrictions on the supermarket one, beyond the 4 hour limit.  What a pain in the *ss quite honestly!! I'll read that post you mention - thanks for the response :-)

Redx

There is no free limit and grace periods are typically 5 minutes , 10 at the most !!

Parking on private property is a complicated legal topic , avoid , avoid , avoid is the best advice

Never park on a private car park to go elsewhere unless payment is made , checking all signage as well

It's an easy £40 for the claimant , or £70 if the deadline is missed it if a Popla appeal is made , and typically a £200 loss in Court ( yes they can enforce it in civil county court )

The only way out is a legal technicality knockout , a loophole , if one exists , including a landowner or retailer cancellation

D_P_Dance

It is not a fine. please read  the newbies and complain to you MP.

Ralph-y

do you normally shop in Sainsbury's ?

Ralph

Coupon-mad

Surely Sainsburys opened at 10am so just complain to them and get them to cancel it.  Also, you don't appear to have read the NEWBIES thread first?